Japanese Literary Awards

← Back to Kodansha Children's Literature Newcomer Award

Kodansha Children's Literature Newcomer Award こうだんしゃじどうぶんがくしんじんしょう

Edition 46 (2005)

Children's literature

Winners

2 people
Sugano Yukimushi すがの ゆきむし award

Sonin, a girl raised on Mount Tenzan because she was expected to possess prophetic powers, is sent back to her village after being judged unsuited to that role. When she later enters the royal palace and meets a mute prince, she searches for her place and purpose while becoming entangled in a political conspiracy.

A fantasy in which a girl dismissed as a failure changes the fate of a palace through sincerity and wit.

262 pages
children's literaturecourt fantasycoming of agetrustcross-cultural encounter
Mito Mahara まはら みもも honorable mention

Shiho, a first-year junior high school student, carries her own anxiety and loneliness while supporting her unstable mother. Through rumors of a dark witch appearing in town and her encounter with an unusual older student, the many colors of her inner life gradually emerge.

A young adult story about an anxious girl beginning to search for her own colors.

175 pages
children's literatureadolescencefamilyanxietyself-discovery